Lincoln Cathedral in appeal for more choristers

Lincoln Cathedral is seeking boys and girls to become choristers

Lincoln Cathedral has a shortage of choristers, according to its director of music.

Aric Prentice, who also holds the title of master of choristers, said he was five boys and five girls short of a full complement.

Mr Prentice admitted it was difficult to recruit, with "so many pulls on boys' and girls' time".

However, he said choristers perform an "essential" job, telling how they had helped pull in crowds for 650 years.

Choirs are often called upon at times of national importance "to set the mood for the nation", said the Cathedral Music Trust

Mr Prentice said each single sex choir currently has 15 members, aged eight to 14.

He said: "We would like to have 20 boys and 20 girls. That would future-proof us for the next few years."

In 2022, a report by the Cathedral Music Trust warned of a looming sustainability crisis for the "world-renowned sacred music tradition", unless it tackled the challenges of widening participation and improving affordability.

Mr Prentice said the current picture at Lincoln Cathedral, which was built in 1072, had improved post pandemic.

He added: "In the 22 years I've been involved [in cathedral music], we've always had to work really hard to recruit. There are so many pulls on boys' and girls' time now."

Global reputation

Mr Prentice insisted Lincoln Cathedral is inclusive, with members drawn from 16 schools - a mix of state and private - across the county.

Choristers are paid "pocket money", with school pick-ups provided, lessening the burden on parents, he said.

Mr Prentice said boys and girls do not have to be Christian, either, adding Muslim choristers have joined in the past.

"Some faith, or at least an appreciation of faith, is useful but it's certainly not a requirement for joining," he said.

Mr Prentice said the boys and girls sing 500 different pieces each year, often taking centre stage at key events.

"We do a lot of services with the RAF," he said. "We also sing at big weddings and funerals, as well as key events such as Christmas, when we had 3,000 people attend our two carol services last year.

"There is nothing better than walking into a cathedral and hearing, and feeling, wonderful singing coming through the eaves."

According to the Cathedral Music Trust, cathedral music "is regarded as one of the glories of this country's cultural heritage with a global reputation for excellence".

An open day for prospective choristers and their families takes place at Lincoln Cathedral on 27 April from 13:00-18:30 GMT.